The Talented Ms. Ripley

I know I've been blogging silent of late (more tweeting than anything), but now I've got to brag from the rooftops like a proud mama. We decided to foster an adorable puppy, Ripley, this past weekend. We're pretty sure we're going to adopt her (if my allergies start to subside). In the meantime, I thought I'd share some of her utter cuteness with all of you.

Jersey Shore Left Us With More Than 10 Great Gems

Yes, yes, my first post of 2010 is about the Jersey Shore. God bless. It was either that, or F

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

oursquare though. Or my Kindle. I'm developing more obsessions in my old age.

I'm not sure I completely agree with New York's top 10 catch phrases. Where's the "stage five stalker", or the "gorilla central"? What else did they miss?

10. "I went on one ride, God bless me, it's fuckin summah!" —Pauly D (13 points but, more importantly, this was a Vulture reader write-in!)

8. It's a tie between:
"Unbelievable, huh, Snooks? It's so hard to find a good man these days. That's why I date women." —Pauly D (15 points)
"Have I got girls every day? Have they not been pretty? Some days no, some days yes." —Mike "the Situation" (15 points)

7. "I feel like this is beneath me. I'm a bartender. I do great things." —Angelina "Jolie" (17 points)

6. "My hair's windproof, waterproof, soccerproof, motorcycle proof. I'm not sure if my hair's bulletproof, I'm not willing to try that." —Pauly D (19 points)

5. "I would give her dick and bubble gum. I would send her a picture of my dick and a pack of bubble gum and say, 'Chew on this!'" —Ronnie "Sweetheart" (26 points)

4. "I told him to put me down because I'm not trashy. Unless I drink too much." —Nicole "Snooki" (28 points)

3. "I necessarily didn't want to bring back any zoo creatures whatsoever. These broads probably smelled the food at the house." —Mike "the Situation" (31 points)

2. "Gym, tanning, laundry. You know, that's how they, like, make the guidos." —Vinny (44 Points)

1. "You know what? You're excluded from dinner, then. You're excluded from Surf-and-Turf Night. You're excluded from Ravioli Night. You're excluded from Chicken-Cutlet Night." —Mike "the Situation" (60 points)

Read more: The Results Are In: Vulture Readers Select Their Top Ten Jersey Shore Catchphrases -- Vulture http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/01/the_results_are_in_vulture_rea.html#ixzz0dwHOIGEc

It Won't Save the Print Industry, but Not Too Shabby

I'm an unexpected convert to the Kindle. I love how easy it is to carry several books at once. I love how I can read one-handed on the subway. I love that I don't have to worry about losing bookmarks. I love the built-in dictionary to look up confounding words. And I love that if I forget my Kindle, it's synced with my iPhone, and I can pick up reading at the exact place I left off.

But the Kindle is far from it's ultimate ideal, and the Kindle's current state isn't fantastic for reading magazines or newspapers. I believe the print magazine industry is in for a big hurt, and all the dreams of locking out Google, and paywalls and tablet-versions aren't going to save it -- in whole. But Sport Illustrated's new demo does show how magazines can have a compelling digital life on a tablet, or Kindle-like device.

We'll Now Hear from the Esteemed State Senator from Staten Island

Diane Savino, the NY State Senator from Staten Island gave an impassioned speech earlier this week in support of the gay marriage bill that was brought to the senate floor, and ultimately failed. Worth 7 minutes of your time ... hope to hear more from her in the future.

Bizarre, Fascinating New Bob Dylan Christmas Video

I know we're not even postmortem on Thanksgiving yet, but just stumpled across this odd, amusing and catchy new video for "Must be Santa" from Bob Dylan's new Christmas album. What's up with his hair?

A Decade of Layoffs at AOL... Boo Running Man

Not so fun... This has been going on fairly consistently every Nov-Dec for almost 10 years. Thoughts go out to those effected today.

There is No Excuse for This Being Created

I'm a huge fan of the Etsy, but some people really must put their talent, or lack thereof, to better use. A blog called Regretsy, catalogues the most unfortunate items for sale on Etsy. The list of recent tragedies include a Lolita-like stuffed cat, Michael Jackson organic catnip toy (no, i have no idea why so many bad ideas are cat-related), and a crocheted "party sweater". Oh my.

Best Slide Deck Ever Explains Health Care Debate with Napkin Doodles

or so they say. it's actually pretty darn good at explaining the health care debate in crisp pictures and words, without taking too heavy handed of a side. worth a gander.

Healthcare Napkins All

View more documents from Dan Roam.

My Worst Nightmare...

Scientists discovered this new giant rat in Papua New Guinea. Actually, my real worst nightmare would probably be if this giant rat and a black squirrel had a baby devil spawn vermin.

I'm A Sucker for Time Lapse Videos

And this is no exception - plus it has a good soundtrack from the Kingpins, who I've never heard of before. Check out this crazy German chap who decided to walk a gazillion miles over the course of a year. Blimey.

The Longest Way 1.0 - one year walk/beard grow time lapse from Christoph Rehage on Vimeo.

How Do You Know If You've Given Your Cat A Good Massage?

Does your kitty like her fur disturbed? Is your cat a talker? Use cat massage to bring out her best Meow best. Brought to our attention by our good friends at The Hose, find out how to give your cat a great massage. Oh my!

Even Hamptonites Are Saving their Dough

So Zagat's was nice enough to offer a list of "affordable" eats for the summering set. I've reposted them below. Hmmm... La Fondita.

The Hamptons on a Budget

Dig into a $30 prix fixe at Rugosa.

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

When you think of Hamptons dining, visions of overpriced lobster salad and long waits for tables (if your name isn’t Stephen Spielberg or Martha Stewart) come to mind. Bargain meals? Not so much. But if you know where to look, prix fixe deals and gently priced meals can be found across the East End.

Barrister’s: At this Southampton American, it’s two-for-one night on Thursdays, when the higher- or equal-priced second entree is free. Choices include a $21 roast chicken, a $24 salmon and a cattleman’s cut of prime rib for $26.95 (631-283-6206).

Blue Parrot Bar & Grill: The celebrity factor may be high at this fun Mexican joint owned by Ron Perelman, Renée Zellweger, Larry Gagosian and Jon Bon Jovi, among others, but the prices can be low. Margaritas are just $9, dishes start at $6 and Tuesday evenings have been designated “Dirty Bird Tuesdays,” when beers are $4 and burritos are $10 (631-324-3609).

Blue Sky Mediterranean Lounge: Newly opened this season, this Sag Harbor seafooder offers a huge paella with a whole lobster in it for a mere $24 (631-725-1810).

Fresno: Wednesdays at this New American, a $28 three-course prix fixe offers options like grilled center-cut pork chops or pan-seared loin of lamb, and every bottle of wine is 30% off (631-324-8700).

Georgica: On Mondays, from 9–11 PM, this happening newcomer helmed by a Hell’s Kitchen vet offers a $25 three-course prix fixe with dishes like crab- and lobster-stuffed Chilean sea bass with tomato scampi cream and pesto mashed potatoes (631-537-5603).

Harbor Bistro: At this East Hampton New American, you can watch the sunset while digging into one of two prix fixes – $19 and $29 – served nightly from 5–6 PM (631-324-7300).

La Fondita: This neighborhood Mexican restaurant offers $10 daily specials like chile-rubbed beef ribs served with rice, refried black beans, tortillas and avocado salsa. Steamed lamb tacos go for $3, and huge burritos are just $8 (631-267-8800).

Matto: The new pizza bar at this cozy Italian spot (now run by two Cipriani veterans) has a huge range of bruschetta for $3–$4, panini for $10–$12 and pizzas for $9–$14 (631-329-0200).

Oso: Every night in August, this surf ‘n’ turfer inside the Southampton Inn is offering a three-course prix fixe for $29 from 5:30–7 PM, and all night on Thursdays. The chef focuses on fresh local ingredients, and meat, fish and vegetarian options are always available (631-283-1166).

red bar brasserie: One of the most hopping spots in Southampton offers two prix fixes, $26 for two courses or $29 for three, available from 6–6:45 PM every night except Saturday. Among the options is a truffled chicken breast with wild mushroom risotto and french beans (631-283-0704).

Rugosa: A half pound of mussels prepared in traditional garlic, butter wine and parsley, or with a curry sauce, are a mere $5 on Sunday nights at this newly opened American. Additionally, a $30 three-course prix fixe is offered nightly from 5:30–7 PM, except Tuesdays, when the restaurant is closed (631-604-1550).

Townline BBQ: It’s just $14.75 for a combo plate with two meats and two sides at this Sagaponack ’cue joint. August also features a daily happy hour, when mason jar cocktails go for $4 from 4–5 PM, $5 from 6–7 PM and $6 from 7–8 PM; accompanying chicken wings are 25¢, and jalapeño poppers and fried mac ’n’ cheese bites cost 50¢ (631-537-2271).

Trata East: Normally very expensive, with fish billed by the pound, this eastern branch of the popular Manhattan Greek now offers a $25 prix fixe all night long, Sunday–Thursday. Appetizer choices include stuffed grilled calamari and spinach and feta salad, while entrees range from jumbo shrimp with fresh tomatoes to grilled sirloin (631-726-6200).

– Beth Landman

Just Left Home...

Well, actually I've been here heading on nearly 8 years now, but NYC is so vast, I don't think I can ever uncover all it's secrets. But this guy has culled together an impressive list of digital links to make NYC living a breeze. Muy bueno. Just Left Home

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As If D.C. Weren't Painful Enough

DC residents may take umbrage, but I certainly had no love loss for our nation's capital during the 2 1/2 years I spent there. The only thing the city had going for it - in my usually outnumbered opinion - was free museums, good running trails, a decent music scene (all hail 930 Club and Black Cat) and a precious handful of approachable bars (and of course, the proximity to family, and a handful of amazing friends). But now, seems as if the "real" residents of MTV's "Real World D.C." (the 23rd season mind you, lord have mercy) have decided to ruin the handful of authentic bars. Maybe a new spate of bars will crop up in defiance, and all-good-things Obama!

Men Are Such Children

The web leads us to the most disturbing images at times. Not to be flippant in a time when Iran is going to hell in a handbasket and I heard the most disturbring piece about minority Muslims in Burma this morning, but this site is seriously freaky. ManBabies.com will make you laugh out loud, or maybe it won't.

GET MORE AT ManBabies.com!

Dining - and Drinking - Al Fresco in NYC

Shameless stealing from Manhattan User Guide, but thought I'd share below in any case. Also, this week's issue of Time Out New York has a list of the best outdoor drinking spots. Not tha

Image by wallyg via Flickr

t it matters lately with all this infernal rain, but there's always July.

Agnanti
Astoria, Greek, seafood

Applewood
Park Slope, American, local farmers

Aurora
Williamsburg, Italian, mellow garden, cash only

Back Forty
East Village, Peter Hoffman (Savoy), burger/roast chicken

Bobo
West Village, American, upmarket

Buttermilk Channel
Carroll Gardens, comfort food, separate vegetarian menu

Convivio
Tudor City, Italian, special occasion

Double Crown
Noho, British/Asian, AvroKO (= gorgeous)

Dumont
Williamsburg, burger, garden and treehouse (!)

Gnocco
East Village, Italian, nice vibe

The Good Fork
Red Hook, American (w/ Asian touches), hidden find

Palo Santo
Park Slope, 'Latin market' food, South American wines (excellent values), rooftop herbs/veggies

The West Branch
UWS, Tom Valenti, meat

Yo, NoVA Raps!

Yeah, yeah, I know it's been awhile since I posted any of my mind-blowing videos or random thoughts of the day. But I really couldn't let this Friday go by without sharing with you why I think Northern Virginia is so cool.

Matthew Fox Is A Gorgeous Man, Jimmy Kimmel Maybe Not So Much

Now this is what I call a staring contest.

My Not Quite Definitive Guide to the LES

Decided to check out this new site Nextstop - a combo Yelp, Google Maps mash-up. Pretty cool. Check out my first "guide" to my very own Lower East Side.

Viral Video Your Way to a Job

Was interviewing people this week for a content dev jobby job, and found out how out of the loop I am (this week at least). Posting a sampling below:

1.) Popeye's Got No Chicken! Heard this one time and time again. Controversial local news clip from Rochester, NY about Popeye's running out of chicken and closing down after a special promotion. Besides being a lame story, smacks of being a wee bit racist? yes, no?




2.) "Stand By Me" Around The World. As part of a documentary, filmmakers mashed up singing the classic "Stand by Me" around the world. They have a couple of other songs... well worth watching.



3.) Human Beatboxer - A young Japanese teen struts out his extraordinary beatbox skills... hard to believe those noises are all coming from his mouth! Whack!



4.) Swine Flu PSA: Flashback 1976 - Despite what Michele Bachman says, the last swine flu breakout was in 1976 when Gerald Ford was president. And the lovely networks created these very informative PSA. Also, they're hilarious.